PATRONAGE

The patronage of the Fondation NapolÉon

As part of its mission to show the enormous diversity and interest of work on the heritage of the Napoleonic periods, the Fondation Napoléon has been a partner in events organised by a broad range of institutions (museums, public and private organisations, companies and associations). It also supports the development of French national museums dedicated to the history of the two Empires. Furthermore, the Fondation forms partnerships with universities and research centres (or indeed simply groups of enthusiasts) the world over.

The Fondation Napoléon supports both morally and financially the activities of the Association du Souvenir Napoléonien, French society of Napoleonic history, and its four thousand members in France and several hundred international members. Every year the Fondation spends more than half of its patronage budget on this alone. The Fondation also entirely funds the Revue du Souvenir Napoléonien, a history magazine published six times a year and which publishes articles by some of the best specialists of the history of the two Empires. This magazine is sent to all the members of the Souvenir Napoléonien.

Some projects which Fondation NapolÉon has supported

HERITAGE

Aid to French national museums for the restoration of objects or exhibition rooms. Restoration of the Arc de Triomphe, restoration of the Musée du Caillou, Napoléon's headquarters at Waterloo. Restoration of the Ala Napoleonica in Piazza San Marco, Venice. Restoration of the Imperial Crypt and restoration of Napoleon III's, the Empress's and the Prince Imperial's tombs at Saint Michael's Abbey, Farnborough. The 'Empire ravaged by Storm' operation for the replanting of trees blown down during the storm of December 1999 in the parks of Malmaison, Fontainebleau and Saint-Cloud.

Musical heritage

The reconstruction of Napoleon I's coronation mass (composed by Paisiello) for the Festival de la Chaise-Dieu. The concert series 'Napoléon et la Musique', organised every year by the Musée de l'Armée, including in 2001 the first performance since 1850 of the opera which Napoleon commissioned from Gaspare Spontini, namely Fernand Cortez ou la Conquête du Mexique. Sponsorship of a record of popular music on the subject of Napoleon.

The Fondation Napoléon participates in most of the major conferences on the history of the two empires in the form of publicity, sponsorship and financial aid for the publication of the acts.

Publications and publication funding

Counting from its creation, the Fondation Napoléon has to date aided the publication of more than one hundred important books on the history of the First and Second Empires, whether by providing publishers with financial assistance or by publishing the book itself. In Autumn 2000, the Fondation Napoléon signed an co-publishing agreement with the company Nouveau Monde Editions for the publication of books on the two Empires.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PATRONAGE FROM THE FONDATION NAPOLÉON

Patronage from the Fondation Napoléon can only be granted after submission to, and approval by, the administrative council, and is orientated towards events of important historical value. The Fondation does not offer operational subsidies to associations and does not contribute to the organisational costs of events.

To apply for patronage from the Fondation Napoléon, an application form should be obtained from Alexandra Mongin (amongin[at]napoleon[dot]org), and returned duly completed to:

The administrative council of the Fondation Napoléon dedicates two sessions each year to the patronage process (in February and October). The forms must be submitted one month before the council?s reunion.